My perception of that is, some people in the Church only associate and see the Church as a social network, where they can make business contacts and basically market themselves, but dont see the Church for what it really is.
You are right, and Im glad the pope is addressing this, lets hope it trickles down to all the local parishes, but I have a feeling it wont, Id imagine priests do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable by bringing this up.
Once big difference between catholics and other denominations Ive noticed, as Ive spent alot of time with people who belong to a variety of churches…when people from a particular church are out in public, or socializing somewhere, most catholics I know and have been around rarely, if ever talk about the bible, Jesus, or anything related to the religion, and instead talk like totally secular people. The catholics I know rarely, if ever bring up the topic to strangers, or invite others to come. Ive been at the same parish since i was a child and I like to watch how people behave and act outside of church and from what Ive seen many, many people are ‘fence sitters’ or fair weather catholics’.
I tend to think the ‘fair weather catholics’ are a larger problem though, they may come to church, but if it came down to them having to act or defend the faith, I doubt most of them would, or even could do this, I think they are too involved in the secular world and overly concerned with obeying mans law, and Gods law comes second to them. Many of them like to think the simple act of just going to church is going to save their souls, but once they are out the door, they are back to living for the world, I have NEVER once heard the many gatherings after mass speaking or discussing the bible, Jesus, etc. all of them are talking about their lives, the world, work, kids, etc. but when I was in the Pentecostal church, it was the complete opposite, it was refreshing to actually see people living their faith and not just wearing it, like many catholics tend to do.
